European Trophies Unveiled

EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) have today unveiled the prestigious new silverware for the European Champions Cup and Challenge Cup competitions.

The European Rugby Champions Cup 'Star Cup' concept places the gold star – symbol of Europe and European representation – at the very heart of the design.

The trophy features a unique five handle concept which unfolds from the gold inset chalice and provides an overview of the gold star of Europe. The star serves to connect the first 19 years of European club rugby to the new EPCR era.

When viewed from the side, the five handle design also features a coronet effect to reflect the annual crowning of the 'Kings' of European professional club rugby.

Among the engraved detail are 20 stars representing the 20 elite clubs participating in the European Rugby Champions Cup. Nineteen stars running along the back handle simultaneously recognise the 19 European Cup winners including Munster from 1996 through to 2014, while the 20th star sitting at the base of the chalice will honour the 20th champion club who will be crowned in London in May 2015 as well as all future winners.

Another detail of note suggests that the annual winners of the European Rugby Champions Cup will be standing on the shoulders of giants. The gold base plinth features engravings of the 10 clubs who have previously lifted European club rugby's premier trophy, starting with four-time champions, Toulouse, and followed by the next most successful clubs.

Represented on the gold base are: Toulouse, Leinster Rugby, Leicester Tigers, Wasps, Munster Rugby, RC Toulon, Bath Rugby, Brive, Northampton Saints and Ulster Rugby.

Meanwhile EPCR yesterday announced the referee appointments for Rounds 1 & 2 of the Champions Cup. Mathieu Raynal (Fra) will officiate Munster’s opening game away to Sale Sharks on Saturday October 18th with Jerome Garces (Fra) looking after proceedings a week later at home to Saracens in Thomond Park.

To purchase tickets for Munster V Saracens in the Champions Cup, Friday October 24th at Thomond Park – KO 19:45, please click here.

See the making of the new EPCR trophies here…